VMRO-DPMNE MP Mile Lefkov accused the SDSM-led government of allowing Russian influence to enter the country by granting citizenship to Ukrainian businessman Oleksandr Onyshchenko.
According to MP Lefkov, Onyshchenko, who was the subject of criminal prosecution in Ukraine and later sentenced to prison, received Macedonian citizenship during the period when SDSM was in power, with the explanation that he would compete for the Macedonian national equestrian team. The ruling party MP pointed out that other countries had previously not granted him residency or citizenship.
Lefkov stated in his statement that the case raises suspicions about political background and potential economic interests, alluding to rumors at the time that a former high-ranking government official was trying to establish contact with Onyshchenko for economic cooperation. He demanded answers from former holders of executive power, among whom he mentioned Zoran Zaev and Venko Filipche, about the purpose and motives behind granting citizenship.
SDSM has previously stated on several occasions that the procedure for granting citizenship was carried out in accordance with legal procedures and based on opinions from competent institutions. Following public reactions and political pressure, the Government annulled Onyshchenko’s citizenship.
